As the world grapples with challenges caused by climate change, a recent survey published by LinkedIn shows a growing demand for professionals who can integrate sustainability practices into their roles — regardless of their job title or industry.
LinkedIn’s Global Green Skills Report 2023 revealed that practices such as carbon accounting, emissions trading, and sustainability reporting, better known as “green skills,” are among the fastest growing in the U.S., according to Forbes. However, the demand for these skills is quickly outstripping supply, revealing that there is a shortage of employees who hold these professional skills.
LinkedIn’s data reveals that workers with at least one green skill have a hiring rate that is 29% higher than the workforce average. This trend isn’t limited to traditionally green industries, either. Even in the financial sector, where only 6.8% of workers are reported to have green skills, there’s a noticeable demand.
While some jobs are inherently green, and directly focus on combatting climate change, there’s another category quickly emerging. This growing category comprises traditional roles that have been updated to include environmental sustainability.
According to the report, “Between February 2022 and February 2023, LinkedIn job postings requiring at least one green skill have grown by a median of 15.2%.”
The report shows how being environmentally conscious will not only help environmental efforts, but also career goals. Whether one is seeking a traditionally green role or not, learning a “green skill” could give job seekers a leg up in a competitive job market.
